diff --git a/shell/alternativeshelper.h b/shell/alternativeshelper.h
--- a/shell/alternativeshelper.h
+++ b/shell/alternativeshelper.h
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@
 
 private:
     Plasma::Applet *m_applet;
+    Plasma::Types::ItemStatus m_oldAppletStatus;
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/shell/alternativeshelper.cpp b/shell/alternativeshelper.cpp
--- a/shell/alternativeshelper.cpp
+++ b/shell/alternativeshelper.cpp
@@ -28,12 +28,15 @@
 
 AlternativesHelper::AlternativesHelper(Plasma::Applet *applet, QObject *parent)
     : QObject(parent),
-      m_applet(applet)
+      m_applet(applet),
+      m_oldAppletStatus(applet->status())
 {
+    m_applet->setStatus(Plasma::Types::RequiresAttentionStatus);
 }
 
 AlternativesHelper::~AlternativesHelper()
 {
+    m_applet->setStatus(m_oldAppletStatus);
 }
 
 QStringList AlternativesHelper::appletProvides() const